Zocor is used for lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in certain patients. It also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL, "good") cholesterol levels. It is used along with an appropriate diet. It is used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to coronary heart disease. It is also used to reduce the need for medical procedures to open blocked blood vessels. It is also used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood vessel blockage, or chest pain caused by angina. Zocor is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, also known as a "statin." It works by reducing the production of certain fatty substances in the body, including cholesterol.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Zocor as directed by your doctor.

Take Zocor by mouth with or without food.

Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice may increase the amount of Zocor in your blood, which may increase your risk for serious side effects. The risk may be greater with large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Avoid large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (eg, more than one quart daily). Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet while you are taking Zocor.

Continue to take Zocor even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

If you miss a dose of Zocor, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zocor.

STORAGE

Store Zocor at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zocor out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Bosentan, carbamazepine, rifampin, or St. John's wort because they may decrease Zocor's effectiveness

Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), digoxin, macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), or spironolactone because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Zocor.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Zocor may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

Drinking alcohol daily or in large amounts may increase the risk of liver problems with Zocor. Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while you are taking Zocor.

Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Zocor before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Women who may become pregnant should use effective birth control while taking Zocor. Check with your doctor if you have questions about using birth control.

Do not take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.

Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor right away, especially if you also have a fever or general body discomfort.

Rarely, changes to the skin, hair, and nails (eg, discoloration, dryness, hair loss) may occur. Check with your doctor if these effects become bothersome or cause you concern.

Lab tests, including blood cholesterol levels, liver function tests, and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) blood levels, may be performed while you use Zocor. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Zocor should be used with extreme caution in children younger 10 years and in those who have not reached puberty; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use Zocor if you are pregnant. It may cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Zocor is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Zocor.

SIDE EFFECTS

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur: